A theoretically defensible inventory of the fabliaux based on a new structural definition. Joseph Bédier's 1893 definition of the fabliaux as 'funny stories in

"A remarkably well-informed and truly innovative study of the way Boccaccio reimagined and rewrote Old French fabliaux in his Decameron."—François Rigolot, P

A new look at the way in which medieval European literature depicts torture and brutality.

From South Park to Kathy Acker, and from Lars Von Trier to Sex and the City, women's sexual organs are demonized. Rees traces the fascinating evolution of this

Despite popular opinions of the ‘dark Middle Ages’ and a ‘gloomy early modern age,’ many people laughed, smiled, giggled, chuckled, entertained and ridi